As party season arrives, and invites begin rolling in, there’s one question asked above all others: what am I going to wear? From Christmas parties to spring picnics to end-of-year school events, the number of outfits required is enough to induce fatigue… before the season has even started. Though the number of events on the calendar might help justify a few new purchases, there’s an equally compelling case to be made for investing in one standout yet versatile piece to carry you through the whole season.

Now more than ever, the motto “buy less, but better” resonates and in a time when we’re focused on shopping more mindfully, buying a single great-quality garment that you can wear over and over again (with the help of some hard-working accessories) is an appealing thought. The silver lining? It also streamlines the process of getting dressed amidst festive season chaos, so you’ll never have to worry about what you’re going to wear again.

Whatever you consider your personal aesthetic, be it minimalist, maximalist, feminine or glamorous, the QVB has a dress to take you from one festive event in style to the next this season. Read on for a few of our favourites.

Minimalist

Your friends would say: A monochromatic palette is the defining characteristic of your wardrobe, and when you do opt for colour, you keep it to blue, khaki and butter yellow. You like clean lines and thoughtful details, and love to accessorise with impactful jewellery worn sparingly.

So you should try: Elka Collective’s Clove maxi dress. Crafted from lightweight cotton in crisp white, it features a low-V at the front and back and elegant ruching.

And pair it with: Platform espadrilles and an embroidered crossbody for your work Christmas lunch, and sculptural hoop earrings and kitten heels for the end-of-year school parent’s night.

$349 from Elka Collective, Level 1

Maximalist:

Your friends would say: Your sartorial motto is “the bolder, the better,” and you’re never one to shy away from colour or prints. When going for an out-there piece, you like to style it back with something a little more refined and as for jewellery, you lean towards simple but sculptural.

So you should try: Sheike’s Kansas maxi dress. It’s florals done differently — graphic, vibrant and more interesting than the spring florals you’re used to.

And pair it with: Chunky wedges, statement gold earrings and an oversized clutch to a girls lunch, and strappy heeled sandals for an after-work date night.

$219.95 from Sheike, Lower Ground 2

Feminine:

Your friends would say: If there was a soundtrack to your life, it would be Taylor Swift’s Lover album, all dreamy and pastel. You love floaty pieces with sweet details — a bow here, a ruffle there — and never say no to an afternoon tea.

So you should try: Oroton’s Rosebud gown. With its rose illustrations and simple but elegant cut, it’s delightfully easy to style.

And pair it with: Stacks of gold necklaces and a pair of patent leather Birkenstocks to a backyard barbecue with friends, and a mini bag and raffia wedges for Christmas day.

$999 from Oroton, Ground Floor

Glamorous:

Your friends would say: You like to make an impact with your outfits, but don’t tend to rely on print or colour. Instead, you’re drawn to interesting silhouettes and luxurious fabrics that you can level up with your investment bags and shoes.

So you should try: Karen Gee’s Sava dress. The ruffles on the sleeves and hem give the dress some shape, while the linen fabrication means it’s perfect for warm weather events.

And pair it with: Strappy black heels and a bold red lip for an end-of-year dinner with friends, and with leather slides and a statement crossbody bag for a family picnic.

$1100 from Karen Gee, Level 1